No less than 88 WOC medals have been won by runners representing one of the clubs from Østfold. We will present all of them in the build-up to WOC 2019. Number 18 is Søren Bobach.

FACTFILE:

Name: Søren Bobach

Age: 30

Civil status/children: Cohabitant with children

Residency: Aarhus, Denmark

Clubs represented: Silkeborg OK, Østmarka OK, Halden SK and now OK Pan Aarhus

WOC-medals: 3 gold-, 1 silvermedals

WOC participations: Six times as a senior

Other merits: One EOC silver, 5 JWOC medals, 10-mila and Jukola.

What do you do today?

Today I study physics at the University in Aarhus and commit myself towards this summer’s WOC in Østfold. Apart from that I try to spend lots of time with my family.

Best WOC memory?

For sure Venice, where I to my own and probably everyone else’ surprise won the WOC sprint. It was the culmination of months of thorough preparations, where every part worked together perfectly.

Worst WOC Memory?

The middle-distance in 2012. I had a fall early on in the course where I ripped open a hole in the hand, and subsequently had to step off before I’d even started for real.

What is WOC to you?

WOC is the biggest achievement for any orienteer, and a special occasion to take part in.

Funniest WOC banquet memory?

There have been lots of great moments, with the afterparty in France 2011 as the one that sticks out. The Danish team had a fun evening with several legendary moments. But what happens in the team, stays in the team…

Can you tell us a bit about how your relationship with the sport has evolved since the beginning?

I’ve always been fond of the sport and I’ve been a part of orienteering ever since I learned to walk. In my younger years I was even more keen on football, but from 2005 I decided to focus on orienteering, and the sport has filled my life ever since.

What have you learned from committing to orienteering that’ll come in handy later?

To be honest I have not given it much thoughts yet, but as I finish my studies and pursuits a working career I will definitely focus more on it.

How hard do you commit to become as successful as possible?

I’ve tried to become as good as possible. However, it has been important to me that the commitment stays fun and some choices I’ve made probably have not made me a better runner. No one really knows if I could have become even better so I don’t give these questions a lot of attention. I’m happy with my achievements and don’t spend time thinking whether I could have achieved more.

How is your current status of shape?

I try to be in shape, but injuries have created all sorts of trouble. The ambition is to hit the peak for WOC in August.

What is your view on Østfold hosting WOC 2019?

It’ll be very exciting. There are many great terrains in Østfold, and I carry expectations for a good event.

What does it take to become a world champion in Østfold 2019?

Run fast and find your way at the same time, I’m not giving away any secrets here…

What do you recommend WOC visitors to experience in Østfold?

Lots of cool orienteering.

What do you like best about Østfold?

The forests.